Solar energy collection antennas

ABSTRACT

The subject disclosure relates to solar energy collection and use in communications systems and to enhancements thereof. In an aspect, dual function antennas are disclosed that can simultaneously function as an antenna and as a solar energy collection system. In further aspects, disclosed embodiments can focus incident solar radiation to increase output voltage of conventional solar cells. Measured and simulated results demonstrate various aspects of the subject disclosure.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject disclosure relates to solar energy and communications, andmore particularly to enhanced devices, systems, and methodologies forsolar energy collection and use in communications systems.

BACKGROUND

Conventionally in modern wireless systems, antennas are used to receiveand transmit microwave signals. Typically, such systems are powered bylocal electrical grid connections and are connected to backup powersystems such as battery banks, emergency diesel generators, and so on.However, such systems merely rely on conventional power systems that, atthe source, derive energy from non-renewable fossil fuels.

As fuel prices rise and geopolitical uncertainties have highlighted therisks associated with the primary reliance on non-renewable fossilfuels, renewable energy sources have been sought for an increasing arrayof applications. For example, wind farms, solar thermal concentrators,photovoltaic enhancements, and other renewable energy projects havereceived increasing attention from governments, manufacturers, andconsumers alike. Whether renewable energy is viewed as a more costeffective way to power modern devices in the face of energy price risk,or whether it is viewed as a way of more socially responsible or “green”living, renewable energy sources are targeted to an increasing array offacets of modern life.

For instance, with the promotion of a green environment or green living,it is of increasing interest to utilize renewable energy in modernwireless systems. In conventional solar power generation plants, solarcells are typically used with reflectors to improve the light-powerutilization. For instance, a parabolic trough can be used as a solarreflectors to redirect sunlight to solar cells to increase the lightintensity at the solar cells, and thus, a smaller number of photovoltaiccells are used for a given power demand.

Recently, use of planar mirrors as solar reflectors has beeninvestigated. For instance, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory inthe United States has estimated that the reflector-type power plantwould be able to produce electricity at a relatively low cost of 5.49cents per kiloWatt-hour by year 2020, which could make solar power oneof the cheapest renewable energy sources in the future. Thus, whilesolar power is a primary source for renewable energy, typically, solarpower generation systems are separated from end use locations. As such,use of solar power still suffers from inefficiencies associated withtransport losses.

This transport loss problem is exacerbated by the disparity in preferredlocations between renewable power generation systems and wirelesscommunication components such as antennas and transmission equipment.For example, wireless antennas can be located close to densely populatedurban centers, along popular travel corridors, or other areas that areeconomically feasible. These areas may not be remote depending on thegeography and topography. However, typically, renewable energygeneration systems are placed in more remote areas due to space or otherrequirements. For instance, solar concentrators require a large area andare typically remotely located to capitalize on lower real propertycosts. As a further example, wind farms are primarily located based onavailable wind energy, and can be remote from densely populated urbancenters.

Recently, some solutions to the transmission loss problem have focusedon integrating an antenna with solar cells, for example, by etching slotantennas on a solar cell panel. However, such solutions increasetransmission effectiveness at the expense of reducing the effectiveillumination area for solar energy production. In other proposals,solutions have focused on integrating a meshed patch antenna on solarcells or on placing a folded photovoltaic cell, which also functions asan antenna, in the focal line of a parabolic trough. In yet othersolutions, a dual function transparent dielectric resonator antenna thatadditionally serves as a focusing lens for a solar cell panel has beenproposed.

In addition, for developing nations, expansion of wireless markets canface unique challenges. For example, in developing nations, traditionalpower infrastructures may or may not be available. For instance, due totopographical or other challenges, a conventional power grid can berendered economically infeasible, which in turn, can preventestablishment of wireless communication systems.

In yet other situations, a limited potential user base for either powergeneration or wireless communication can otherwise prevent establishmentof wireless communication systems without expensive power systems beingdeveloped to power such communication systems. For example, in a remotewireless sensor network such as a tsunami warning system, for example,the remote monitoring of seismological and tidal stations across a vastexpanse of an ocean basin can require remote installations where itwould not be economically feasible to establish conventional powergeneration systems or even large scale renewable energy generationsystems.

It is thus desired to provide enhanced systems, devices, andmethodologies for solar energy collection and use in communicationssystems that improve upon these and other deficiencies. Theabove-described deficiencies in solar energy collection and use incommunications systems are merely intended to provide an overview ofsome of the problems of conventional systems, and are not intended to beexhaustive. Other problems with conventional systems and correspondingbenefits of the various non-limiting embodiments described herein maybecome further apparent upon review of the following description.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the specification toprovide a basic understanding of some aspects of the specification. Thissummary is not an extensive overview of the specification. It isintended to neither identify key or critical elements of thespecification nor delineate any scope particular to any embodiments ofthe specification, or any scope of the claims. Its sole purpose is topresent some concepts of the specification in a simplified form as aprelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

In various non-limiting embodiments of the disclosed subject matter,systems, devices, and methodologies that facilitate solar energycollection and use in communications systems are described. Forinstance, in exemplary implementations, disclosed embodiments providedual function antennas that can simultaneously function as an antennaand as a solar energy collection system. For example, exemplaryembodiments can provide self-sustaining power to wireless systemsemploying such implementations. As a further advantage, the dualfunction characteristic (e.g., radiating antennas for wirelesscommunication and solar energy focusing or collecting) can result incost reductions in the design, fabrication, and/or operation of systemsemploying such implementations.

Accordingly, various embodiments for solar energy collection and use incommunications systems are described herein. To that end, solar energycollection antennas are described comprising one or more of a reflectiveground plane and a reflective antenna element that can direct incidentsolar radiation to one or more solar cells. In a non-limiting aspect,non-planar reflective ground planes, such as a V-shaped and a U-shapedreflective ground plane, are described. In further non-limitingembodiments, solar energy collection antennas are described comprising aselective transmission layer adjacent to one or more solar cells thatcan transmit incident solar radiation to the one or more solar cellswhile selectively reflecting communication signals to a communicationantenna. In a further non-limiting aspect, conformal solar cells locatedadjacent to a reflector structure of an antenna are described.

In other exemplary implementations, solar energy collection systems forpowering an associated communications antenna are described, in whichthe communications antenna can be configured to reflect incident solarradiation to one or more associated solar cells. In other non-limitingimplementations, solar energy collection systems adapted to power anassociated communications antenna can comprise a selective transmissionlayer adjacent to one or more solar cells that can transmit incidentsolar radiation to the one or more solar cells and can selectivelyreflect communication signals to the communications antenna.

In further embodiments, methodologies for collecting and employing solarenergy proximate to a communications antenna according to variousnon-limiting embodiments are described.

These and other embodiments are described in more detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various non-limiting embodiments are further described with reference tothe accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a side view of exemplary embodiments of suspended patchantennas (SPAs) as described herein;

FIG. 2 depicts a top view illustrating further aspects of exemplaryimplementations of disclosed SPAs;

FIGS. 3-4 illustrate an exemplary non-limiting embodiment of a greenantenna (GA) comprising a light-focusing 3×2 suspended plate antenna(SPA) array element and a plurality of solar cell panels suspended abovea V-shaped ground plane, in which FIG. 3 depicts a side view, and FIG. 4depicts a top view;

FIGS. 5-6 depict a further non-limiting implementation of a GA,comprising a light-focusing 3×3 SPA array element and a plurality ofsolar cell panels suspended above a U-shaped ground plane according toaspects as described herein, in which FIG. 5 depicts a side view, andFIG. 6 depicts a top view;

FIGS. 7-8 depict yet another exemplary implementation of a GA,comprising a non-limiting parabolic reflector antenna and a conformaloverlaid solar cell according to further aspects as described herein,where FIG. 7 depicts a non-limiting parabolic reflector antenna fed byan exemplary horn antenna, and FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplarynon-limiting solar cell comprising a coating or overlay as furtherdescribed herein;

FIGS. 9-10 depict simulated and measured characteristics of an exemplarynon-limiting single-element SPA, where FIG. 9 depicts input impedance,and FIG. 10 depicts corresponding reflection coefficients;

FIG. 11 depicts measured antenna gain for an exemplary non-limitingsingle-element SPA;

FIGS. 12-13 depict simulated and measured normalized radiation patternsof an exemplary non-limiting single-element SPA, where FIG. 12 depictssimulated and measured normalized radiation patterns in an electricfield reference plane (E-plane), and FIG. 13 depicts simulated andmeasured normalized radiation patterns in a magnetizing field referenceplane (H-plane);

FIG. 14 illustrates a top view of a non-limiting one-to-three wayWilkinson power divider suitable for use with exemplary implementationsof the disclosed subject matter;

FIGS. 15-16 depict measured scattering parameters (S parameters) of anon-limiting one-to-three-way Wilkinson power divider;

FIGS. 17-18 illustrate exemplary non-limiting functional block diagramsof embodiments of GA systems, suitable for employing implementations ofthe disclosed subject matter;

FIGS. 19-20 depict flowcharts illustrating exemplary non-limitingmethodologies for solar energy collection and use in communicationssystems as described herein;

FIG. 21 depicts a measured antenna gain of an exemplary non-limiting GAwith and without solar cell panels;

FIGS. 22-23 depict simulated and measured normalized radiation patternsof an exemplary non-limiting GA, where FIG. 22 depicts simulated andmeasured normalized radiation patterns in an E-plane, and FIG. 23depicts simulated and measured normalized radiation patterns in anH-plane;

FIG. 24 depicts a measured antenna gain of a further non-limitingimplementation of a GA as described herein with and without solar cellpanels;

FIGS. 25-26 depict simulated and measured normalized radiation patternsof a further non-limiting implementation of a GA, where FIG. 25 depictssimulated and measured normalized radiation patterns in an E-plane, andFIG. 26 depicts simulated and measured normalized radiation patterns inan H-plane;

FIG. 27 illustrates a top view of an exemplary non-limiting arrangementsuitable for obtaining experimental optical measurements of variousembodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 28 depicts exemplary output voltages of solar cell panels for anexemplary non-limiting GA as a function of illumination angle (θ); and

FIG. 29 depicts exemplary output voltages of solar cell panels of afurther non-limiting implementation of a GA as described herein as afunction of θ.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview

While a brief overview is provided, certain aspects of the disclosedsubject matter are described or depicted herein for the purposes ofillustration and not limitation. Thus, variations of the disclosedembodiments as suggested by the disclosed apparatuses, systems andmethodologies are intended to be encompassed within the scope of thesubject matter disclosed herein. For example, the various embodiments ofthe apparatuses, systems and methodologies of the disclosed subjectmatter are described in the context of wireless communication systemsand components. However, as further detailed below, various exemplaryimplementations can be applied to other areas of wirelesscommunications, optical applications, without departing from the subjectmatter described herein.

As used herein, the term “Green Antenna (GA)” is intended to refer to adual-function device that can be used simultaneously as an antenna forwireless communication or otherwise and as a solar power collection orgeneration system. As further used herein, the term “communicationantenna(s)” are intended to refer to an antenna, an antennasubstructure, or a subcomponent of an antenna suitable for communicationof information over a transmission medium (e.g., a wireless transmissionmedium), such as for example, for communication of data, voice, video,radio beacons, and so on. As described in the background, localgeneration of renewable energy for communications systems can provideenhanced efficiency without sacrificing wireless communication systemantenna characteristics. Thus, the disclosed subject matter providessystems, devices, and methodologies for solar energy collection and usein communications systems.

According to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, one ormore solar cell(s) can be combined with an antenna structure,components, or subcomponents used for radiating functions, which canalso act as a light reflector for the one or more solar cell(s). Asreferred to herein, such solar energy collection antennas can be calledgreen antennas, in that, according to aspects, the disclosed embodimentscan function as a communications antenna while generating power fromsolar energy.

For instance, exemplary non-limiting implementations can employsuspended plate antenna (SPA) arrays fabricated or otherwise placed ongrounds (e.g., concave grounds) that can provide a light focusingeffect. As an illustrative example, an L-shaped wire can be used as anefficient excitation probe for a C-figured loop antenna. For instance, alow profile (approximately 0.1 λ_(o)) L-probe-fed suspended patchantenna (SPA), where λ_(o) is the wavelength in free space, can providea very wide impedance bandwidth of more than 35%, with stable radiationpatterns across the passband. As a further example, an SPA element canbe excited in its fundamental broadside transverse magnetic (TM₀₁) modeby an L-probe. In addition, such SPA arrays can advantageously provide alow profile, lightweight, and ease of excitation and tuning, in additionto facilitating an increase in antenna gain.

According to an aspect, an antenna structure and its associated groundplane can act as a light-reflecting surface for one or more solarcell(s). For example, in various embodiments one or more SPA arrays canbe built on ground planes (e.g., non-planar ground planes) thatfacilitate focusing light for use by one or more solar cell(s). Thus,the ground planes (e.g., non-planar ground planes) light-focusingeffects can result in relatively larger output voltages can be obtainedfrom the solar cell systems. The increased voltage can be as much asapproximately 80% higher than that without the green antennas. In afurther aspect, an SPA element can be excited by an L-probe that canfacilitate wideband microwave operation of antenna structures, forwhich, simulated and measured reflection coefficients, input impedance,antenna gains, and radiation patterns of disclosed embodiments indicatebeneficial use in systems that require self-sustained power (e.g.,wireless communication systems, etc.).

In further embodiments described herein, one or more solar cell(s) canbe directly fabricated or otherwise placed on a surface of a dish (e.g.,a substantially parabolic reflecting dish). Advantageously, suchembodiments provide a space-efficient power generation capability asvirtually no additional space is required to house the solar generationcapabilities.

According to an aspect, implementations of the disclosed subject matterprovide self-sustaining power to wireless systems employing suchimplementations. As a further advantage, the dual functioncharacteristic (e.g., radiating for wireless communication and solarenergy focusing or collecting) can result in cost reductions in thedesign, fabrication, and/or operation of systems employing suchimplementations.

Accordingly, FIG. 1 depicts a side view of exemplary embodiments ofsuspended patch antennas (SPAs) 100 as described herein. FIG. 2 depictsa top view 200 illustrating further aspects of exemplary implementationsof disclosed SPAs. Thus, FIG. 1 depicts a single-element 102 SPA fed byan L-probe 104 connected to a connector 106 (e.g., SMA (SubMiniatureversion A) connector) and supported by a ground plane 108. As furtherdescribed below, implementations of exemplary embodiments 100 can beemployed in various configurations including disclosed implementations,for example, to provide the dual function characteristics as describedherein.

For instance, according to various embodiments of the disclosed subjectmatter, both single-element 102 SPA and ground plane 108 canadvantageously reflect incident light to one or more appropriatelypositioned solar cell(s) to increase output voltage of a solar powergenerating system. According to an aspect, SPA 100 can be optimized at afrequency of interest (e.g., 2 GigaHertz (GHz)). In addition, accordingto an aspect, SPA 100 can be fabricated with approximate dimensions of L(110)=100 millimeters (mm), W (112)=54 mm, h (114)=18 mm, t (116)=1.5mm, L_(h) (118)=21.5 mm, and L_(v) (120)=11.9 mm.

Exemplary Solar Energy Collection Antennas

FIGS. 3-4 illustrate an exemplary non-limiting embodiment of a greenantenna (GA) 300 comprising a light-focusing 3×2 SPA array element and aplurality of solar cell panels 302 suspended above a V-shaped groundplane 304, in which FIG. 3 depicts a side view 300, and FIG. 4 depicts atop view 400. According to an aspect, GA 300 can comprise a 3×2 arrayconsisting of 6 SPA 102 radiating elements placed on a V-shaped concaveground plane 304. According to various embodiments, GA 300 can befabricated with approximate parameters of d (306)=70 mm, W_(g) (308)=180mm, L_(g) (310)=458 mm, and θ_(g) (312)=5 degrees (°) as depicted.According to further embodiments, one or more solar cell panel(s) 302(e.g., one-sided amorphous solar cell panel(s)) of W (314)=60 mm, L_(s)(316)=150 mm can be electrically connected (e.g., electrically connectedin parallel) and can be suspended above the V-shaped concave ground 304at a distance of H 318.

For instance, in exemplary non-limiting embodiment of GA 300, one ormore solar cell panel(s) 302 can be fixed in a suspended position abovethe V-shaped concave ground 304 at a distance of H 318 using a holder(e.g., a polyvinylchloride (pvc) holder) (not shown) at an approximateheight of H (318)=41 centimeters (cm) above a vertex 320 of ground plane304. According to various embodiments, H 318 can be determined (e.g.,experimentally or otherwise) by optimizing output of the one or moresolar cell panel(s) 302. As described above, both single-element(s) 102SPA and ground plane 304 can advantageously reflect incident light 322to one or more appropriately positioned solar cell(s) 302 to increaseoutput voltage of an associated solar power generating system.

FIGS. 5-6 depict a further non-limiting implementation of a GA 500,comprising a light-focusing 3×3 SPA array element and a plurality ofsolar cell panels 502 suspended above a U-shaped ground plane 404according to aspects as described herein, in which FIG. 5 depicts a sideview 500, and FIG. 6 depicts a top view 600. According to an aspect, GA500 can comprise a 3×3 array consisting of 9 SPA 102 radiating elementsplaced on a U-shaped concave ground plane 504. According to variousembodiments, GA 500 can be fabricated with approximate parameters of d(506)=70 mm, W_(g) (508)=180 mm, L_(g) (510)=458 mm, θ_(g) (512)=10° asdepicted. According to further embodiments, one or more solar cellpanel(s) 502 (e.g., one-sided amorphous solar cell panel(s)) of W_(s)(514)=60 mm, L_(s) (516)=150 mm can be electrically connected (e.g.,electrically connected in parallel) and can be suspended above theV-shaped concave ground 504 at a distance of H 518.

As an example, in exemplary non-limiting implementation of GA 500, oneor more solar cell panel(s) 502 can be fixed in a suspended positionabove the U-shaped concave ground 504 at a distance of H 518 using aholder (e.g., a polyvinylchloride (pvc) holder) (not shown) at anapproximate height of H (518)=47 centimeters (cm) above ground plane 504as depicted. According to various implementations, H 518 can bedetermined (e.g., experimentally or otherwise) by optimizing output ofthe one or more solar cell panel(s) 502. As described above, bothsingle-element(s) 102 SPA and ground plane 504 can advantageouslyreflect incident light 522 to one or more appropriately positioned solarcell(s) 502 to increase output voltage of an associated solar powergenerating system.

FIGS. 7-8 depict yet another exemplary implementation of a GA 700,comprising a non-limiting parabolic reflector 702 antenna and one ormore conformal overlaid solar cell(s) 704 according to further aspectsas described herein, where FIG. 7 depicts a non-limiting parabolicreflector 702 antenna fed by an exemplary antenna 706 (e.g., a hornantenna), and FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary non-limiting conformaloverlaid solar cell structure 800 (of detail 708) comprising a coatingor overlay 802 that can facilitate transmission of light whilereflecting one or more of Radio Frequency (RF), microwave, ormillimeter-wave signals to exemplary antenna 706 (e.g., a horn antenna).

Thus, according to various implementations, the GA 700 can comprise aparabolic reflector 702 (e.g., a substantially parabolic reflectorcomprised of a metallic reflector, etc.) antenna fed by an exemplaryantenna 706 (e.g., a horn antenna) that can be supported by holder orsupport 710. In an aspect, GA 700 can further comprise one or moreconformal overlaid solar cell(s) 704. In addition, one or more conformaloverlaid solar cell(s) 704 can be fabricated, placed on, or otherwiseattached to the parabolic reflector 702 antenna and under a coating oroverlay 802 that permits transmission of light but reflects one or moreof Radio Frequency (RF), microwave, or millimeter-wave signals toexemplary antenna 706 (e.g., a horn antenna).

For instance, according to an aspect, one or more conformal overlaidsolar cell(s) 704 can include coating or overlay 802, for example, thatcan be a metallic wire grid. As a further example, coating or overlay802 can include a metallic wire grid having grid size of d 804. It canbe understood that a coating or overlay 802 comprising a metallic wiregrid having grid size of d 804 can strongly reflect a microwave signalover a frequency range of f_(L)≦f≦f_(H) when the grid size 804 is lessthan 1/(10 f_(H)). Thus, according to a further aspect, coating oroverlay 802 can be selected such that grid size or other physicalproperties can maximize reflection of incident radiation of interest(e.g., wireless communications carrier signal such as a microwavesignal), while maximizing solar generation capability.

Thus, as described above, various implementations of the disclosedsubject matter (e.g., GA 300, GA 500, GA 700, etc.) can provideself-sustaining power to wireless systems employing suchimplementations. As a further advantage, the dual functioncharacteristic (e.g., radiating for wireless communication and solarenergy focusing or collecting) can result in cost reductions in thedesign, fabrication, and/or operation of systems employing suchimplementations.

For instance, FIGS. 9-10 depict simulated and measured characteristicsof an exemplary non-limiting single-element 102 SPA, where FIG. 9depicts input impedance 902 as a function of frequency 904, and FIG. 10depicts corresponding reflection coefficients 1002 as a function offrequency 1004 for both simulations 906 (1006) and experimentalmeasurements 908 (1008). Accordingly, for an exemplary single-element102 SPA resting on a 20×20 square centimeters (cm²) flat ground plane,for example, as described above regarding FIGS. 1-2, the exemplarysingle-element 102 SPA can be simulated and/or optimized using Ansoft™HFSS™. In addition, experimental measurements can be acquired using anAgilent® 8753 network analyzer to verify simulations.

As can be seen from FIG. 9, the simulated 906 and measured 908 inputimpedance demonstrate acceptable agreement. From the correspondingreflection coefficients 1002 of FIG. 10, it can be seen that themeasured 1008 and simulated 1006 antenna bandwidths (|S₁₁|<−10 dB) areapproximately 38% and 42%, respectively. In addition, from FIG. 10, tworesonant modes are observed. The first resonance is caused by the TM₀₁mode of the exemplary single-element 102 SPA, which can be verified byexamining its electric field distribution. Its measured 1008 andsimulated 1006 frequencies (min. |S₁₁|) are given by 2.12 GHz and 2.09GHz (1.43% error), respectively.

The second resonance is found at approximately 2.5 GHz. It can beunderstood that this mode can be caused by the L-probe, for example,because its frequency agrees reasonably with 2.25 GHz estimated using aprimitive formula of f=c/[4(L_(h)+L_(v))], where c is the speed of lightin vacuum. The discrepancy between the two frequencies can be furtherunderstood by noting the fact that the primitive formula does not takeinto account the effect of the suspended patch. According to variousembodiments of the disclosed subject matter, exemplary GAs can employthe first resonant mode (e.g., resonance caused by the TM₀₁ mode of theexemplary single-element 102 SPA).

FIG. 11 depicts measured antenna gain 1102 as a function of frequency1104 for an exemplary non-limiting single-element 102 SPA. It can beseen from FIG. 11 that the gain is approximately 7 Decibel Isotropic(dBi) around the SPA mode, as expected for the dominant TM mode of theexemplary non-limiting single-element 102 SPA.

FIGS. 12-13 depict simulated and measured normalized radiation patternsof an exemplary non-limiting single-element 102 SPA, where FIG. 12depicts 1200 simulated 1202 and measured 1204 normalized radiationpatterns in an electric field reference plane (E-plane), and FIG. 13depicts 1300 simulated 1302 and measured 1302 normalized radiationpatterns in a magnetizing field reference plane (H-plane). Broadsidepatterns can be observed for both E- and H-planes, as expected, andco-polarized fields 1206 (1306) are stronger than their cross-polarized1208 (1308) counterparts by at least 20 Decibel (dB) in the boresightdirection (θ=0°). Note further that the simulated 1202 E-planecross-polarized field is too minute to observe in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 illustrates a top view of a non-limiting one-to-three wayWilkinson power divider 1400 suitable for use with exemplaryimplementations of the disclosed subject matter. For instance, to feedexemplary non-limiting single-element 102 SPA of various implementationsof the disclosed subject matter (e.g., GA 300, GA 500, GA 700, etc.), aplurality of conventional one-to-three way Wilkinson power dividers canbe fabricated or otherwise obtained and cascaded. To that end,non-limiting one-to-three way Wilkinson power divider 1400 FIG. 14 cancomprise a substrate 1402 supporting a plurality of electrical traces1404 associated circuit components and connectors 1406 (e.g., SMAconnectors).

FIGS. 15-16 depict measured scattering parameters (S parameters) 1502(1602) as a function of frequency 1504 (1604) for a non-limitingone-to-three-way Wilkinson power divider 1400. While S simulatedparameters results agree with the measurements, the comparison isomitted for brevity. As can be observed in FIGS. 15-16, the magnitudepassband of the power divider is from 1.45 GHz to 2.23 GHz (=−4.77±0.5dB, i=2, 3, or 4), giving a bandwidth of approximately 0.78 GHz. Themeasured phase bandwidth (∠S_(i1)−∠S_(j1)|)<5°, i,j>1 and i≠j) is givenby 2 GHz (1 GHz-3 GHz), which is much wider than the magnitudebandwidth. Thus, it can be understood that the overall bandwidth ofnon-limiting one-to-three-way Wilkinson power divider 1400 is limited byits magnitude response.

Thus, according to various embodiments, the disclosed subject matterprovides solar energy collection antennas (e.g. GA 300, GA 500, GA 700,etc.). For example, according to non-limiting implementations, a solarenergy collection antenna as described above regarding FIGS. 3-6 cancomprise, a reflective ground plane (e.g., ground plane 108, anon-planar reflective ground plane such as V-shaped concave ground plane304, U-shaped concave ground plane 504, and the like, etc.) that can beadapted to reflect incident solar radiation (e.g., incident light 322(522), etc.) (e.g., a first portion of incident solar radiation) therebyresulting in reflected solar radiation. As a further example, solarenergy collection antenna can include one or more antenna element(s)(e.g., SPA 102, associated L-probe 104, associated connector 106,subcomponents and/or combinations thereof, etc.) coupled to thereflective ground plane (e.g., ground plane 108, a non-planar reflectiveground plane such as V-shaped concave ground plane 304, U-shaped concaveground plane 504, and the like, etc.).

In addition, as described above, solar energy collection antenna canfurther include one or more solar cell(s) (e.g., one or more solarcell(s) 302, one or more solar cell(s) 502, etc.). In an aspect, the oneor more solar cell(s) can be positioned proximate to the reflectiveground plane as described above regarding determination of H and θ withrespect to FIGS. 3-6, thus facilitating receipt of reflected solarradiation.

According to further non-limiting implementations of solar energycollection antenna, the one or more antenna element(s) (e.g., SPA 102,etc.) can be configured to reflect a portion of the incident solarradiation (e.g., incident light 322 (522), etc.) (e.g., a secondportion) to increase the reflected solar radiation. As further describedabove, the one or more antenna element(s) (e.g., SPA 102, etc.) can beadapted to receive excitation via an L-probe 104 proximate to the groundplane (e.g., ground plane 108, a non-planar reflective ground plane suchas V-shaped concave ground plane 304, U-shaped concave ground plane 504,and the like, etc.).

In yet other non-limiting implementations of solar energy collectionantenna, one or more antenna element(s) (e.g., SPA 102, etc.) can beconfigured into an array of antenna element(s). As an example, furtherimplementations can employ six antenna element(s) (e.g., reflective SPA102 elements) in a three by two array arranged on V-shaped reflectiveground plane 304 as further described above regarding FIGS. 3-4. In yetanother non-limiting example, implementations can employ nine antennaelement(s) (e.g., reflective suspended plate antenna (SPA) 102 elements)in a three by three array arranged on U-shaped reflective ground plane504 as further described above regarding FIGS. 5-6.

According to further non-limiting implementations, the disclosed subjectmatter provides solar energy collection antennas (e.g. GA 700, etc.).For example, according to exemplary implementations, a solar energycollection antenna as described above regarding FIGS. 7-8 can comprise areflector structure configured or adapted to support one or moreconformal solar cell(s) adjacent to the reflector structure. Forinstance, regarding FIGS. 7-8 a reflector structure can comprisereflector 702 that can support one or more conformal solar cell(s)(e.g., one or more conformal overlaid solar cell(s) 704, etc.). While,for purposes of illustration and not limitation, the reflector 702 isdepicted and described as a parabolic reflector 702, it can beunderstood that the disclosed subject matter is not so limited. Forinstance, it is contemplated that virtually any reflector structure(e.g., whether configured as a non-planar reflector structure, orotherwise, a parabolic reflector structure, a substantially parabolicreflector structure, or otherwise, etc.) can function as reflector 702to support one or more conformal solar cell(s) adjacent to the reflectorstructure.

As a further example, solar energy collection antenna can furthercomprise a selective transmission layer (e.g., a coating or overlay 802,etc.) adjacent to the one or more conformal solar cell(s). For instance,according to an aspect, solar energy collection antenna can comprise aselective transmission layer positioned on a side of the one or moreconformal solar cell(s) (e.g., one or more conformal overlaid solarcell(s) 704, etc.) opposite the reflector structure (e.g., reflector702). In a further aspect, selective transmission layer (e.g., a coatingor overlay 802, etc.) can be adapted or configured to transmit a portionof incident solar radiation (e.g., incident light 322 (522), etc.) tothe one or more conformal solar cell(s). In yet another aspect, theselective transmission layer can be further adapted or configured toreflect a portion of communications signals (e.g., one or more ofincident Radio Frequency (RF) signals, incident microwave signals, orincident millimeter-wave signals) to create reflected communicationssignals.

In further non-limiting implementations, selective transmission layers(e.g., coatings or overlays 802, etc.) of solar energy collectionantennas can include a metal grid (e.g., a grid of a metal, a metalwire, or a metallic composition, etc.), as further described aboveregarding FIGS. 7-8. In yet other non-limiting implementations, giventhe predetermined wavelengths of the incident solar radiation and thereflected communications signals, the grid can be further configured oradapted with a grid spacing (e.g., grid spacing d 804) to maximize thereflected communications signals, maximize transmission of the incidentsolar radiation (e.g., incident light 322 (522), etc.), or effect anyother desired design tradeoff between these and/or other considerations.

According to yet other exemplary implementations, solar energycollection antennas can further include a communications antenna (e.g.,antenna 706, such as a horn antenna) positioned or located proximate tothe reflector structure (e.g., reflector 702) and adapted or configuredto collect a portion of the reflected communications signals. Forinstance, as further described above regarding FIGS. 7-8, communicationsantenna can include a horn antenna located proximate to the reflectorstructure (e.g., reflector 702) and adapted or configured to collect aportion of the reflected communications signals.

In an aspect, a portion of the communications antenna (e.g., antenna706, such as a horn antenna) can be located proximate to a focusassociated with the substantially parabolic reflector structure. Forinstance, while the focusing properties of a parabolic curve on anincident parallel beam can be well suited, for example, for maximizingreflected communications signals at communications antenna (e.g.,antenna 706, such as a horn antenna), other considerations can militateagainst using such one-sided considerations. As an example, in yet othernon-limiting implementations, given the power requirements, physicalspacing considerations, reflector geometry, solar energy duty cycle, andso on, the location or placement of the communications antenna (orportions thereof) can be varied in order to maximize the reflectedcommunications signals, to maximize collection and transmission of theincident solar radiation (e.g., incident light 322 (522), etc.), to oraffect any other desired design tradeoff between these and/or otherconsiderations.

Exemplary Solar Energy Collection Antenna Systems

As described above with reference to FIGS. 1-16, various embodiments ofthe disclosed subject matter provide systems that can facilitate solarenergy collection and use in communications systems. As an example, FIG.17 illustrates an exemplary non-limiting functional block diagram ofembodiments of a GA system, suitable for employing implementations ofthe disclosed subject matter. For instance, an exemplary solar energycollection system 1700 can be adapted to power an associatedcommunications antenna. For example, solar energy collection system 1700can comprise a communications antenna 1702 (e.g. GA 300, GA 500, etc.)configured to reflect a portion of incident solar radiation (e.g.,incident light 322 (522), etc.) thereby resulting in reflected solarradiation, as described above regarding FIGS. 3-6. For instance,communications antenna 1702 configured can be configured to includereflective elements 1704 (e.g., ground plane 108, a non-planarreflective ground plane such as V-shaped concave ground plane 304,U-shaped concave ground plane 504, and the like, reflective antennaelements such as one or more SPAs 102, etc.).

In addition, solar energy collection system 1700 can further compriseone or more solar cell(s) 1706 (e.g., one or more solar cell(s) 302, oneor more solar cell(s) 502, etc.). In an aspect, the one or more solarcell(s) can be positioned proximate to the reflective ground plane asdescribed above regarding determination of H and θ with respect to FIGS.3-6, thus facilitating receipt of reflected solar radiation andconversion of a portion of the reflected solar radiation to anelectrical potential. In a further aspect, the one or more solar cell(s)1706 can be located proximate to and associated with the communicationsantenna 1702.

Solar energy collection system 1700 can further comprise circuitry 1708that can be configured or adapted to electrically couple the one or moresolar cell(s) 1706 to the communications antenna 1702 and/or foroperation of the communications antenna 1702 (or components orsubcomponents thereof). For example, circuitry 1708 can include couplingcircuitry to collect, condition, transport, or otherwise deliversuitable power to electrical components of solar energy collectionsystem 1700, including, but not limited to communications antenna 1702.As a further example, circuitry 1708 can include any of (and any numberor combination of) electrical transmission lines, electrical storagecomponents, voltage regulators, signal conditioners, Wilkinson powerdividers 1400, switches, relays, and other electrical componentssuitable for converting, storing, and transporting the electricalpotential created by the one or more solar cell(s) 1706. Accordingly,circuitry 1708 of solar energy collection system 1700 can facilitateemploying at least a portion of the electrical potential in theoperation of the communications antenna 1702.

According to still further exemplary embodiments, solar energycollection system 1700 can further include one or more one antennaelement(s) 1710 (e.g., SPA 102, associated L-probe 104, associatedconnector 106, subcomponents and/or combinations thereof, etc.) operableto transmit and/or receive communications signals (not shown), such asfor example, one or more reflective SPA 102 elements as described aboveregarding FIGS. 3-5. As an example, further implementations can employsix antenna element(s) (e.g., reflective SPA 102 elements) in a three bytwo array arranged on V-shaped reflective ground plane 304 as furtherdescribed above regarding FIGS. 3-4. In yet another non-limitingexample, implementations can employ nine antenna element(s) (e.g.,reflective suspended plate antenna (SPA) 102 elements) in a three bythree array arranged on U-shaped reflective ground plane 504 as furtherdescribed above regarding FIGS. 5-6.

As another example, FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary non-limitingfunctional block diagram of embodiments of a GA system, suitable foremploying implementations of the disclosed subject matter. In furthernon-limiting implementations, exemplary solar energy collection system1800 can be adapted to power an associated communications antenna, forexample, as described above regarding FIGS. 7-8. For example, solarenergy collection system 1800 can comprise an antenna 1802 (e.g. GA 700,etc.) according to various aspects of the disclosed subject matter.

For instance, solar energy collection system 1800 can comprise one ormore solar cell(s) 1804 (e.g., one or more conformal overlaid solarcell(s) 704, etc.) that can be fabricated on, positioned on, orotherwise located adjacent to and conforming with a non-planar reflectorstructure (e.g., reflector 702 of GA 700, etc.). While, for purposes ofillustration and not limitation, the reflector 702 is depicted anddescribed as a parabolic reflector 702, it can be understood that thedisclosed subject matter is not so limited. For instance, it iscontemplated that virtually any reflector structure (e.g., whetherconfigured as a non-planar reflector structure, or otherwise, aparabolic reflector structure, a substantially parabolic reflectorstructure, or otherwise, etc.) can function as reflector 702 to supportone or more solar cell(s) 1804 adjacent to a reflector structure.

In addition, solar energy collection system 1800 can comprise one ormore selective transmission layer(s) 1806 (e.g., a coating or overlay802, etc.) fabricated on, positioned on, or otherwise located adjacentto the one or more solar cell(s) 1804. For instance, according to anaspect, solar energy collection system 1800 can comprise a selectivetransmission layer positioned on a side of the one or more solar cell(s)1804 (e.g., one or more conformal overlaid solar cell(s) 704, etc.)opposite the non-planar reflector structure (e.g., reflector 702). In afurther aspect, selective transmission layer 1806 (e.g., a coating oroverlay 802, etc.) can be adapted or configured to transmit a portion ofincident solar radiation (e.g., such incident light 322 (522), etc. withregard to FIGS. 3-6) to the one or more solar cell(s) 1804. In yetanother aspect, the selective transmission layer can be further adaptedor configured to reflect a portion of communications signals (e.g., oneor more of incident Radio Frequency (RF) signals, incident microwavesignals, or incident millimeter-wave signals) to create reflectedcommunications signals.

In further non-limiting implementations, selective transmission layers1806 (e.g., coatings or overlays 802, etc.) of solar energy collectionsystem 1800 can include a metal grid (e.g., a grid of a metal, a metalwire, or a metallic composition, etc.), as further described aboveregarding FIGS. 7-8. In yet other non-limiting implementations, giventhe predetermined wavelengths of the incident solar radiation and thereflected communications signals, the grid can be further configured oradapted with a grid spacing (e.g., grid spacing d 804) to maximize thereflected communications signals, maximize transmission of the incidentsolar radiation (e.g., incident light 322 (522), etc. with regard toFIGS. 3-6), or affect any other desired design tradeoff between theseand/or other considerations.

According to still further exemplary embodiments, solar energycollection system 1800 can further include one or more onecommunications antenna(s) 1808 (e.g., antenna 706, such as a hornantenna) operable to transmit and/or receive communications signals (notshown). For example, solar energy collection system 1800 can include acommunications antenna 1808 configured to receive a reflectedcommunications signal from the selective transmission layer 1806 asdescribed above regarding FIGS. 7-8. For instance, communicationsantenna 1808 can include a horn antenna located proximate to thereflector structure (e.g., reflector 702) and adapted or configured tocollect a portion of the reflected communications signals.

In further non-limiting aspect, a portion of the communications antenna1808 (e.g., antenna 706, such as a horn antenna) can be locatedproximate to a focus associated with a substantially parabolic reflectorstructure. For instance, while the focusing properties of a paraboliccurve on an incident parallel beam can be well suited, for example, formaximizing reflected communications signals at communications antenna(e.g., antenna 706, such as a horn antenna), other considerations canmilitate against using such one-sided considerations. As an example, inyet other non-limiting implementations, given the power requirements,physical spacing considerations, reflector geometry, solar energy dutycycle, and so on, the location or placement of the communicationsantenna (or portions thereof) can be varied in order to maximize thereflected communications signals, to maximize collection andtransmission of the incident solar radiation (e.g., such incident light322 (522), etc. with regard to FIGS. 3-6), to or effect any otherdesired design tradeoff between these and/or other considerations.

In addition, solar energy collection system 1800 can further comprisecircuitry 1810 that can be configured or adapted to electrically couplethe one or more solar cell(s) 1804 to the one or more communicationsantenna(s) 1808 and/or for operation of the one or more communicationsantenna(s) 1808 (or components or subcomponents thereof). For example,circuitry 1810 can include coupling circuitry to collect, condition,transport, or otherwise deliver suitable power to electrical componentsof solar energy collection system 1800, including, but not limited tothe one or more communications antenna(s) 1808. As a further example,circuitry 1810 can include any of (and any number or combination of)electrical transmission lines, electrical storage components, voltageregulators, signal conditioners, Wilkinson power dividers 1400,switches, relays, and other electrical components suitable forconverting, storing, and transporting the electrical potential createdby the one or more solar cell(s) 1804. Accordingly, circuitry 1810 ofsolar energy collection system 1800 can facilitate employing at least aportion of the electrical potential generated by the one or more solarcell(s) 1804 in the operation of the one or more communicationsantenna(s) 1808.

In view of the systems, components, and devices described supra,methodologies that can be implemented in accordance with the disclosedsubject matter will be better appreciated with reference to theflowchart of FIGS. 19-20. While for purposes of simplicity ofexplanation, the methodologies are shown and described as a series ofblocks, it is to be understood and appreciated that such illustrationsor corresponding descriptions are not limited by the order of theblocks, as some blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrentlywith other blocks from what is depicted and described herein. Anynon-sequential, or branched, flow illustrated via a flowchart should beunderstood to indicate that various other branches, flow paths, andorders of the blocks, can be implemented which achieve the same or asimilar result. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required toimplement the methodologies described hereinafter.

Exemplary Methodologies

Various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter providemethodologies for solar energy collection and use in communicationssystems as described below with reference to FIG. 19. For instance, FIG.19 depicts a flowchart illustrating exemplary non-limiting methodologies1900 for solar energy collection and use in communications systems asdescribed herein. For instance, exemplary methodologies 1900 can includecollecting and employing solar energy proximate to a communicationsantenna (e.g. GA 300, GA 500, etc.).

For example, at 1902, methodologies 1900 can comprise reflecting solarradiation (e.g., incident light 322 (522), etc.) at a reflective antennaelement or a reflective ground plane of a communications antenna (e.g.,ground plane 108, a non-planar reflective ground plane such as V-shapedconcave ground plane 304, U-shaped concave ground plane 504, and thelike, reflective antenna elements such as one or more SPAs 102, etc.).As a further example, a first portion of incident solar radiation (e.g.,incident light 322 (522), etc.) can be reflected at the communicationsantenna by a first portion of the communications antenna, such as, e.g.,by a non-planar reflective ground plane of the communications antenna(e.g., V-shaped concave ground plane 304, U-shaped concave ground plane504, and the like, etc.). In yet another example, methodologies 1900 caninclude reflecting a second portion of the incident solar radiation(e.g., incident light 322 (522), etc.) at the communications antenna bya second portion of the communications antenna, such as, e.g., by one ormore antenna elements (e.g., reflective suspended plate antenna (SPA)102 element) of the communications antenna (e.g. GA 300, GA 500, etc.).

At 1904, a portion of the solar radiation can be collected by one ormore solar cell(s) (e.g., one or more solar cell(s) 302, one or moresolar cell(s) 502, etc.) to create collected solar radiation. As anexample, methodologies 1900 can further include collecting a portion ofthe first portion (or the second portion) of incident solar radiation(e.g., incident light 322 (522), etc.) by the one or more solar cell(s)thereby creating a first collected solar radiation (or a secondcollected solar radiation).

Thus, at 1906, a portion of the collected solar radiation (e.g., firstand or second collected solar radiation, etc.) can be converted into anelectrical potential e.g., voltage) for use by the communicationsantenna as described above regarding, for example, FIGS. 3-6. As afurther example, methodologies can include, converting a portion of thefirst collected solar radiation (or a second collected solar radiation)into an electrical potential available for use by the communicationsantenna (e.g. GA 300, GA 500, etc.).

In further non-limiting methodologies 1900, a portion of the electricalpotential can be used to operate a portion of the communications antenna(e.g. GA 300, GA 500, etc.). For instance, at 1908, methodologies 1900can include using a portion of the electrical potential to operate aportion of the communications antenna. As further described aboveregarding FIGS. 3-6 and 17, solar energy collection systems 1700 cancomprise an array of circuitry 1708 that can be configured or adapted toelectrically couple the one or more solar cell(s) 1706 to thecommunications antenna 1702 and/or for operation of the communicationsantenna 1802 (or components or subcomponents thereof).

As an example, circuitry 1708 can include any of (and any number orcombination of) electrical transmission lines, electrical storagecomponents, voltage regulators, signal conditioners, Wilkinson powerdividers 1400, switches, relays, and other electrical componentssuitable for converting, storing, and transporting the electricalpotential created by the one or more solar cell(s) 1706. Accordingly,the electrical potential created by the one or more solar cell(s) (e.g.,one or more solar cell(s) 302, one or more solar cell(s) 502, etc.) inmethodologies 1900 can be used to operate any suitable portion of thecommunications antenna and/or associated or related systems.

As a further example, FIG. 20 depicts a flowchart illustrating exemplarynon-limiting methodologies 2000 for solar energy collection and use incommunications systems as described herein above regarding FIGS. 7-8 and18. For instance, at 2002 a portion of incident solar radiation at aselective transmission layer can be transmitted to a solar cell on areflector of a communications antenna (e.g., GA 700, etc.). For example,methodologies 2000 can include transmitting a portion of incident solarradiation (e.g., such incident light 322 (522), etc. with regard toFIGS. 3-6) at a selective transmission layer (e.g., a coating or overlay802, etc.) of the communications antenna to one or more solar cell(s)(e.g., one or more conformal overlaid solar cell(s) 704, etc.) on areflector (e.g., reflector 702 of GA 700, etc.) of the communicationsantenna, such as GA 700, etc. As a further example, the transmitting at2002 can further include transmitting the portion of the incident solarradiation to one or more solar cell(s) via the selective transmissionlayer (e.g., a coating or overlay 802, etc.) located adjacent to the oneor more solar cell(s) on a side opposite the reflector. In a furtheraspect, the selective transmission layer can comprise a grid of anycombination of a metal, a metal wire, or a metallic composition, etc.

In addition, at 2004, a portion of an incident RF signal, an incidentmicrowave signal, or an incident millimeter-wave signal can be reflectedto create a reflected communications signal. For example, methodologies2000 can further include reflecting a portion (e.g., via one or moreselective transmission layer(s) such as coating or overlay 802, etc.) ofone or more of an incident Radio Frequency RF signal, an incidentmicrowave signal, or an incident millimeter-wave signal thereby creatinga reflected communications signal.

Thus, at 2006, a portion of the reflected communications signal can becollected, for example, by an antenna element associated with thecommunications antenna (e.g., GA 700, etc.) as described above regardingFIGS. 7-8 and 18. For instance, methodologies 2000 can includecollecting a portion of the reflected communications signal by at leastone antenna element (e.g., antenna 706, such as a horn antenna)associated with the communications antenna (e.g., GA 700, etc.). In afurther aspect of methodologies 2000, collecting a portion of thereflected communications signal can include collecting a portion of thereflected communications signal by the one or more antenna element(s)located proximate to a focus of a parabolic reflector structure of thereflector, as further described above regarding FIGS. 7-8 and 18.

In yet other exemplary implementations of methodologies 2000, a portionof the incident solar radiation can be converted into an electricalpotential for use by the communications antenna (e.g., GA 700, etc.) at2008. For instance, methodologies 2000 can further include converting aportion of incident solar radiation (e.g., such incident light 322(522), etc. with regard to FIGS. 3-6) into an electrical potential(e.g., via the one or more solar cell(s)) for use by the communicationsantenna (e.g., GA 700, etc.).

In further non-limiting methodologies 1900, a portion of the electricalpotential can be used (not shown) to operate a portion of thecommunications antenna. As further described above regarding FIGS. 7-8and 18, solar energy collection systems 1800 can comprise an array ofcircuitry 1810 that can be configured or adapted to electrically couplethe one or more solar cell(s) 1804 (e.g., one or more conformal overlaidsolar cell(s) 704, etc.) to the communications antenna 1808 and/or foroperation of the one or more communications antenna(s) 1808 (orcomponents or subcomponents thereof).

As an example, circuitry 1810 can include any of (and any number orcombination of) electrical transmission lines, electrical storagecomponents, voltage regulators, signal conditioners, Wilkinson powerdividers 1400, switches, relays, and other electrical componentssuitable for converting, storing, and transporting the electricalpotential created by the one or more solar cell(s) 1804. Accordingly,the electrical potential created by the one or more solar cell(s) inmethodologies 2000 can be used to operate any suitable portion of thecommunications antenna (e.g., GA 700, etc.) and/or associated or relatedsystems.

Exemplary Coupled Filtering Results

Exemplary implementations of the disclosed subject matter (e.g., GA 300,GA 500, etc.) have been explored to demonstrate particular non-limitingaspects, advantages, and/or features.

For example, FIG. 21 depicts a measured antenna gain 2102 of anexemplary non-limiting GA 300 with 2106 and without 2108 the one or moresolar cell 302 panels. For instance, an exemplary non-limitingembodiment of GA 300 can be fabricated and tested using, for example,exemplary SPA elements 102 and a plurality of Wilkinson power dividers1400. In addition, ground plane 304 of exemplary non-limiting embodimentof GA 300 can comprise conducting plates (e.g., 2 pieces of conductingplates each with a size of L_(g)×W_(g)). As can be seen from FIG. 21,the measured antenna gain 2102 with 2106 the one or more solar cell 302panels at 2 GHz is approximately 11.2 dBi, which is slightly lower thanthat without 2108 the one or more solar cell panels 302 (12.4 dBi).Thus, FIG. 21 demonstrates that for an exemplary non-limiting GA 300,loss introduced by the one or more panels 302 is relatively negligible.

FIGS. 22-23 depict simulated and measured normalized radiation patternsof an exemplary non-limiting GA 300, where FIG. 22 depicts 2200simulated 2202 and measured 2204 normalized radiation patterns in anE-plane, and FIG. 23 depicts 2300 simulated 2302 and measured 2304normalized radiation patterns in an H-plane. It can be observed fromFIGS. 22-23 that for both E- and H-planes, the co-polarized fields 2206(2306) are at least 15 dB stronger than the cross-polarized fields 2208(2308) in the boresight direction (θ=0°) as could be expected for a flatground plane case.

FIG. 24 depicts a measured antenna gain of a further non-limitingimplementation of a GA 500 as described herein with 2406 and without2408 the one or more solar cell 502 panels. For example, non-limitingimplementation of a GA 500 can be fabricated and tested using, forexample, exemplary SPA elements 102 and a plurality of Wilkinson powerdividers 1400. In addition, ground plane 504 of exemplary non-limitingembodiment of GA 300 can comprise conducting plates (e.g., 3 pieces ofconducting plates each with a size of L_(g)×W_(g)). Thus, it can beunderstood that the area of ground plane 504 is larger than that ofground plane 304 of exemplary non-limiting embodiment of GA 300 byapproximately 50%.

Accordingly, as can be seen from FIG. 24, the measured antenna gain 2402with 2406 the one or more solar cell 502 panels at 2 GHz isapproximately 15.2 dBi, which is slightly lower than that without 2408the one or more solar cell panels 502 (15.5 dBi). Thus, FIG. 24demonstrates that for a non-limiting implementation of GA 500, the lossintroduced by the one or more panels 502 is relatively negligible. As afurther advantage compared to exemplary non-limiting embodiment of GA300 (gain 11.2 dBi), the gain value 15.2 dBi for non-limitingimplementation of GA 500 is significantly higher due in part to a largerground plane 504.

FIGS. 25-26 depict simulated and measured normalized radiation patternsof a further non-limiting implementation of a GA 500, where FIG. 25depicts 2500 simulated 2502 and measured 2504 normalized radiationpatterns in an E-plane, and FIG. 26 depicts 2600 simulated 2602 andmeasured 2604 normalized radiation patterns in an H-plane. It can beobserved from FIGS. 25-26 that the co-polarized fields 2506 (2606) areat least 15 dB stronger than the cross-polarized fields 2508 (2608) inthe boresight direction (e.g., θ=0°).

FIG. 27 illustrates a top view of an exemplary non-limiting arrangement2700 suitable for obtaining experimental optical measurements of variousembodiments of the disclosed subject matter. For instance, to obtainoptical performance measurements, exemplary embodiments (e.g., GA 300,GA 500, GA 700, etc.) can be placed on a rotator 2702 that facilitatesmeasuring output voltage of the one or more solar cell panels (e.g.,302, 502, 704, etc.) at different illumination angles (θ) 2704. A lightsource 2706 having a wide spectrum (e.g., a xenon light source) that canmimic natural daylight can be used to illuminate the exemplaryembodiments. In addition, a parabolic optical dish 2708 (e.g., aparabolic optical dish with circular aperture of diameter=60 cm) can beused to used to reflect light from the light source 2706 and generate anearly parallel light beam 2710 at a distance X (2512)=200 cm fromvarious embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. While using anoptical lens can produce a relatively more parallel light beam, it candifficult to obtain such a big lens commercially for measurementpurposes. As described above, height H 518 can be found experimentallyby optimizing the voltage output of the one or more solar cell panels(e.g., 302, 502, etc.) at θ=0°.

FIG. 28 depicts exemplary output voltages 2802 of the one or more solarcell panels 302 for an exemplary non-limiting GA 300 as a function ofillumination angle (θ) 2804. For instance, FIG. 28 depicts outputvoltages 2802 of the one or more solar cell panels 302 for θ_(g)=0° in aflat ground plane configuration 2806 and the one or more solar cellpanels 302 for θ_(g)=5° in a V-shaped concave ground plane configuration2808, with H=41 cm, as described above. It can be observed from FIG. 28that when θ<18°, a larger output voltage is obtained using the V-shapedground plane 2808 due, in part, to its focusing effect. When the light2710 is incident normally (θ=0°), the output voltages are 3.77 Volts (V)and 0.70 V for the V-shaped 2808 and flat ground plane 2806 cases,respectively. For comparison (not shown), it is noted that that anoutput voltage of 2.61 V can be generated when the one or more solarcell panels 302 are illuminated by the light source 2706 directly (e.g.without parabolic optical dish 2708) at an equivalent total path lengthas when using the parabolic optical dish 2708.

FIG. 29 depicts exemplary output voltages 2902 of the one or more solarcell panels 502 for a further non-limiting implementation of a GA 500 asdescribed herein as a function of θ 2904. As an example, as describedabove regarding FIGS. 5-6, a new height of H=47 cm to obtain outputvoltages 2902 of the one or more solar cell panels 502 using theU-shaped (θ_(g)=10°) 2908 and flat (θ_(g)=0°) ground 2906 planes. It canbe observed from FIG. 29 that the output voltage 2902 of the solarenergy collection antenna 500 is higher when a U-shaped ground plane 504is used, as expected.

For instance, an output voltage 2902 of 4.27 V was obtained when thelight 2710 is incident normally (θ=0°). In addition, it is noted thatthe U-shaped ground plane voltage 2908 is approximately 80% higher thanthat for the direct-illumination case (e.g., 2.38 V with the same totalpath length). Moreover, the U-shaped ground plane voltage 2908 is alsohigher than that exemplary non-limiting GA 300 due in part a largerreflecting surface between ground plane 504 and ground plan 304. Notefurther that the maximum output voltage 2902 of non-limitingimplementation of GA 500 is found at θ=6°, instead of θ=0°, due in partto the net effect of diffractions, reflections, and light blockage dueto the one or more solar cell panels 502.

Thus, in various non-limiting embodiments of the disclosed subjectmatter, systems, devices, and methodologies that facilitate solar energycollection and use in communications systems are provided. For instance,according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, one ormore solar cell(s) can be combined with an antenna structure,components, or subcomponents used for radiating functions, which canalso act as a light reflector for the one or more solar cell(s).According to an aspect, implementations of the disclosed subject matterprovide self-sustaining power to wireless systems employing suchimplementations. As a further advantage, the dual functioncharacteristic (e.g., radiating for wireless communication and solarenergy focusing or collecting) can result in cost reductions in thedesign, fabrication, and/or operation of systems employing suchimplementations. In addition, as described above, the various exemplaryimplementations can be applied to other areas of wirelesscommunications, optical applications, without departing from the subjectmatter described herein.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example,instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the subjectmatter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition,any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarilyto be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects ordesigns, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplary structures andtechniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, tothe extent that the terms “includes,” “has,” “contains,” and othersimilar words are used in either the detailed description or the claims,for the avoidance of doubt, such terms are intended to be inclusive in amanner similar to the term “comprising” as an open transition wordwithout precluding any additional or other elements.

The aforementioned systems have been described with respect tointeraction between several components. It can be appreciated that suchsystems and components can include those components or specifiedsub-components, some of the specified components or sub-components,and/or additional components, and according to various permutations andcombinations of the foregoing. Sub-components can also be implemented ascomponents coupled to other components rather than included withinparent components (hierarchical).

Additionally, it should be noted that one or more components may becombined into a single component providing aggregate functionality ordivided into several separate sub-components in order to provideintegrated functionality. Any components described herein may alsointeract with one or more other components not specifically describedherein but generally known by those of skill in the art. In addition tothe various embodiments described herein, it is to be understood thatother similar embodiments can be used or modifications and additions canbe made to the described embodiment(s) for performing the same orequivalent function of the corresponding embodiment(s) without deviatingtherefrom.

For example, while various embodiments of the disclosed subject matterhave been described in the context of particular numbers, dimensions,configurations, geometry, or arrangements (e.g., numbers, dimensions,configurations, geometry, or arrangements of SPAs, ground planes, solarcells, etc.), the disclosed subject matter is not so limited. Inaddition, it is contemplated that applications of various aspects of thedisclosed subject matter can be altered, modified, or otherwiseredesigned, for instance, by choosing variations in wavelengths forcommunications (e.g., transmission and reception of communicationssignals). In other exemplary modifications, variations in coatings oroverlays can be chosen, for example, in a desire to maximize reflectionof incident radiation of interest (e.g., wireless communications carriersignal), transmission of solar radiation to maximize solar generationcapability, both, or an intermediate desired result.

1. A solar energy collection antenna comprising: a reflector structureadapted to support at least one conformal solar cell adjacent to thereflector structure; a selective transmission layer adjacent to the atleast one conformal solar cell on a side of the at least one conformalsolar cell opposite the reflector structure, the selective transmissionlayer adapted to transmit at least a portion of incident solar radiationto the at least one conformal solar cell, the selective transmissionlayer further adapted to reflect at least a portion of at least one ofincident Radio Frequency (RF) signals, incident microwave signals, orincident millimeter-wave signals creating reflected communicationssignals; and a communications antenna located proximate to the reflectorstructure and adapted to collect at least a portion of the reflectedcommunications signals.
 2. The solar energy collection antenna of claim1, the communications antenna is further configured as a horn antenna.3. The solar energy collection antenna of claim 1, the selectivetransmission layer comprises a grid of at least one of a metal, a metalwire, or a metallic composition.
 4. The solar energy collection antennaof claim 3, the grid is further configured, relative to predeterminedwavelengths of the incident solar radiation and the reflectedcommunications signals, with a grid spacing adapted to at least one ofmaximize the reflected communications signals or maximize transmissionof the incident solar radiation.
 5. The solar energy collection antennaof claim 1, the reflector structure is further configured as anon-planar reflector structure.
 6. The solar energy collection antennaof claim 5, the non-planar reflector structure is further configured assubstantially parabolic reflector structure.
 7. The solar energycollection antenna of claim 6, at least a portion of the communicationsantenna located proximate to a focus associated with the substantiallyparabolic reflector structure.
 8. A solar energy collection systemadapted to power an associated communications antenna, comprising: atleast one solar cell adjacent to and conforming with a non-planarreflector structure; a selective transmission layer adjacent to the atleast one solar cell on a side of the at least one solar cell oppositethe reflector structure, the selective transmission layer transmits atleast a portion of incident solar radiation to the at least one solarcell; a communications antenna configured to receive a reflectedcommunications signal from the selective transmission layer; andcircuitry adapted to electrically couple the at least one solar cell tothe communications antenna to employ at least a portion of an electricalpotential generated by the at least one solar cell in the operation ofthe communications antenna.
 9. The solar energy collection system ofclaim 8, the selective transmission layer further configured to reflectat least a portion of at least one of an incident Radio Frequency (RF)signal, an incident microwave signal, or an incident millimeter-wavesignal to create the reflected communications signal.
 10. The solarenergy collection system of claim 8, the selective transmission layercomprises a grid of at least one of a metal, a metal wire, or a metalliccomposition.
 11. The solar energy collection system of claim 10, thegrid is further configured, relative to predetermined wavelengths of theincident solar radiation and the reflected communications signal, with agrid spacing adapted to at least one of maximize the reflectedcommunications signal or maximize transmission of the incident solarradiation.
 12. The solar energy collection system of claim 8, thecommunications antenna is further configured as a horn antenna.
 13. Thesolar energy collection system of claim 12, the non-planar reflectorstructure is further configured as substantially parabolic reflectorstructure.
 14. The solar energy collection system of claim 13, at leasta portion of the horn antenna located proximate to a focus associatedwith the substantially parabolic reflector structure.
 15. A method forcollecting and employing solar energy proximate to a communicationsantenna: transmitting at least a portion of incident solar radiation ata selective transmission layer of the communications antenna to at leastone solar cell on a reflector of the communications antenna; reflectingat least a portion of at least one of an incident Radio Frequency (RF)signal, an incident microwave signal, or an incident millimeter-wavesignal to create a reflected communications signal; collecting at leasta portion of the reflected communications signal by at least one antennaelement associated with the communications antenna; and converting atleast a portion of the at least a portion of incident solar radiationinto an electrical potential for use by the communications antenna. 16.The method of claim 15, further comprising: using at least a portion ofthe electrical potential to operate at least a portion of thecommunications antenna.
 17. The method of claim 15, the transmittingincludes transmitting the at least the portion of the incident solarradiation to the at least one solar cell conformed to the reflector. 18.The method of claim 15, the transmitting includes transmitting the atleast the portion of the incident solar radiation to at the least onesolar cell via the selective transmission layer adjacent to the solarcell on a side opposite the reflector and comprising a grid of at leastone of a metal, a metal wire, or a metallic composition.
 19. The methodof claim 15, the collecting includes collecting the at least a portionof the reflected communications signal by a horn antenna elementassociated with the communications antenna.
 20. The method of claim 15,the collecting includes collecting the at least a portion of thereflected communications signal by the at least one antenna elementlocated proximate to a focus of a parabolic reflector structure of thereflector.